WE got some great responses when we tweeted that we were looking for some amazing North Shore moms for our Mother's Day feature.
Stephanie Snider wrote to us to say that her mom, Hilda Herdman (known as Sam), is an amazing mom to her and her brother Cameron, and super grandma to Snider's two sons.
"I don't know what I would do if she wasn't living five minutes up the road from me in Edgemont - and I'm not just referring to free babysitting. She is a lifeline!"
Herdman is retired but a busy resident who is active in the community. As a member of her local garden club, she has devoted countless hours to creativity and labours of love outside. Building on her talents, during the spring and summer she and a friend tend a garden on the rooftop of a women's shelter in Vancouver's downtown eastside.
With a background in showing and breeding dogs - she keeps three small Norfolk terriers (to her grandchildren's delight), and takes one of them, her beloved Maggie, to senior's homes as part of the St John's Ambulance Therapy Dog Services program.
She also used to do monthly performances with a friend at Inglewood Care Centre in West Vancouver the care home at Inglewood.
"As one of my oldest son's favourite people to play ball hockey with, she has an energy and positive attitude to be admired," says Snider. "She is a senior but you wouldn't know it from her actions!
"I am so proud of her and the love she has shown our family.
"Happy Mothers Day to my Mum and to all the super grandmas out there."
What qualities of your mom's do you love the most?
Her energy, her open mind - and her patience! She's always willing to try new things (foods, fashions, hairstyles, and more), she's always willing to give her time and she's pretty good at making us feel special.
What is your favourite memory of your mom growing up?
My mom has a nice voice. She used to sing us to sleep some nights. My boys are not so lucky with me.
Are you similar to your mom in any way?
It's easy to over commit your time - my mom and both suffer from that. We're pretty good at rewarding ourselves though.
What is the best advice your mom ever gave you?
When I would come home from university over the holidays I'd ask her help with basic things like sewing. One day she was surprised by my ask for help with hemming some pants and she asked me "Don't you know how to sew?" I said no. She thought for a moment, then turned to me and said "Don't." It made me smile, and I think of it often. I have a great seamstress I go to on the North Shore for all my family's needs.
What is your favourite activity to do with your mom?
Facial! I found a great place in Vancouver that is very reasonable and I turned her onto it. It's a treat when we can find time to go together.
Do you parent the same way your mom did?
Some ways yes, some ways no. I think that is just a result of the world we're living in with more knowledge about what is bad and good for you. I had my nose in a book with my first baby so I was always seeking a second opinion on my mom's advice. Thank goodness she is patient.
